Tape storage container

ABSTRACT

Tape storage container with a box-like storage case including, a lid, a base plate having a plurality of spindle retaining sockets, a plurality of tape roll retaining spindles, a plurality of spindle adaptor plates, a handle, and a case closure member. The lid conforms to the open top of the storage case. The spindles have a centrally located downwardly displaced shaft capable of frictionally inserting into the spindle retaining sockets. The spindle diameter is approximately one and one quarter of an inch in diameter conforming to the inside diameter of a standard small diameter roll of adhesive tape. The spindles include a plurality of vertical slots capable of frictionally retaining the spindle adaptor plates so that the outside edge of the adaptor plates accommodate the inside diameter of a standard large roll of adhesive tape. The distance between the spindle retaining sockets is proximally one and one half inches.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of storage containers and more specifically to a tape storage container.

Rolls of adhesive tape are commonly used by people of all walks of life for various purposes. One common use is for painters to use rolls of masking tape to mask off areas such as door and window frames to protect them from being painted when the adjacent wall is being painted. Other types of tape include duct tape for the repair of pipes and other items, electrical tape for covering exposed electrical wires and assignee tape such as a roll of tape that has the words “wet paint” printed repeatedly on it. Traditionally, people who regularly use rolls of tape keep them in a drawer or hanging on a hook in a workshop type environment.

Professionals such as house painters, need to carry rolls of masking tape with them for use is during a job. Masking tape comes in different widths and different degrees of stickiness which are indicated by the different colors of tape. Other professional tradesmen need to have additional types of tape on hand including duct tape, electrical tape, insulation tape and packing tape. Currently, a painter or other trades person carries rolls of tape loosely in a container.

When rolls of tape are carried loosely, they can become deformed or damaged. They are also more difficult to locate and they are not generally stored in the most space efficient fashion.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a tape storage container that can organize a variety of diameters and widths of tape.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tape storage container that allows the user to customize the retaining spindles to optimize the location of stored tapes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tape storage container that allows the user to adjust the holding spindles to accommodate large or small diameter tape spools.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed Tape storage container comprising: a box-like storage case including, a lid, a base plate having a plurality of spindle retaining sockets, a plurality of tape roll retaining spindles, a plurality of spindle adaptor plates, a handle, and a case closure member, said lid conforming to the open top of said storage case, said spindles having a centrally located downwardly displaced shaft capable of frictionally inserting into said spindle retaining sockets, said base plate located at the bottom of said storage case and having said spindle retaining sockets occurring at regular spaced intervals, said spindle diameter approximately one and one quarter of an inch in diameter conforming to the inside diameter of a standard small diameter roll of adhesive tape, said spindles including a plurality of vertical slots capable of frictionally retaining said spindle adaptor plates so that the outside edge of said adaptor plates accommodate the inside diameter of a standard large roll of adhesive tape, said lid being hingedly attached to said storage case body, said lid capable of being retained in a closed position by a standard closure member, said handle attached to the outer portion of said case in a standard manner so that the entire case can be easily carried from one location to another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a perspective view of the invention with the lid 6 open to reveal the contents. The case 2 has a hinged 8 lid 6. The open case reveals a base plate 30 that has a plurality of sockets 24 evenly spaced along its surface. The sockets are sized to frictionally retain a spindle shaft 32 as shown in FIG. 2. The spindles 16 are proximally one and one quarter inch in diameter which is the standard inside diameter for a small diameter roll of tape such as small duct tape 40 or electrically tape 22. Adaptor panels 18 can be plugged into slots located on the spindles to widen the holding diameter to three inches which is the standard diameter for most large spools 12 that hold rolls tape 14 such as masking tape 38 and duct tape 36. Other types of commonly used tapes include tapes with printing on them such as the “wet paint” tape 10 shown or the corner masking labels 20 mounted on a strip and sold on a spool the same as masking tape. The present invention allows a user to organize rolls of tape in the most efficient manner in that spindles can be placed as needed to accommodate tapes of various diameters. Additionally, multiple rolls of tape 36, 38 can be stacked on top of each other and yet still be easily accessible. The height of the spindles 16 coincide with the underside of lid 6 so that when a person carries the case by handle 4, the rolls will stay in place and not escape from the spindles 16. FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective view of a spindle 16. Adaptor plate 18 is shown as being ready to plug into a slot 19 in spindle 16. Spindle shaft 32 can be seen as ready to plug into spindle socket 24. The slots are spaced evenly at approximately one and one half inches center to center.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. Tape storage container comprising: a box-like storage case including; a lid; a base plate having a plurality of spindle retaining sockets; a plurality of tape roll retaining spindles; a plurality of spindle adaptor plates; a handle; and a case closure member; said lid conforming to the open top of said storage case; said spindles having a centrally located downwardly displaced shaft capable of frictionally inserting into said spindle retaining sockets; said base plate located at the bottom of said storage case and having said spindle retaining sockets occurring at regular spaced intervals; said spindle diameter approximately one and one quarter of an inch in diameter conforming to the inside diameter of a standard small diameter roll of adhesive tape; said spindles including a plurality of vertical slots capable of frictionally retaining said spindle adaptor plates so that the outside edge of said adaptor plates accommodate the inside diameter of a standard large roll of adhesive tape; said lid being hingedly attached to said storage case body; said lid capable of being retained in a closed position by a standard closure member; said handle attached to the outer portion of said case in a standard manner so that the entire case can be easily carried from one location to another.
 2. Tape storage container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the center to center distance between said spindle retaining sockets is proximally one and one half inches.
 3. Tape storage container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spindle tops are situated to touch underside of said lid thereby preventing said tape rolls from being dislodged from said spindles. 